Marussia MR03

Marussia MR03/Manor MR03B


Marussia MR03 (top), Manor MR03B (bottom)
Category Formula One
Constructor Marussia F1
Designer(s) John McQuilliam
Predecessor Marussia MR02
Technical specifications[1]
Chassis Carbon-fibre composite
Suspension (front) Carbon-fibre wishbone and pushrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system
Suspension (rear) Carbon-fibre wishbone and pullrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system
Engine Ferrari 059/3 1.6 L (98 cu in) V6, turbo
Transmission 8-speed gearbox
Weight 691 kg (1,523 lb) (2014)
702 kg (1,548 lb) (2015)
Fuel Shell
Tyres Pirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet)
Competition history
Notable entrants Marussia F1 Team
Manor Marussia F1 Team
Notable drivers 4. United Kingdom Max Chilton[2]
17. France Jules Bianchi[3]
28. United Kingdom Will Stevens[4]
98. Spain Roberto Merhi[4]
Debut 2014 Australian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF.Laps
20000

The Marussia MR03 later Manor MR03B is a Formula One racing car designed and built by Marussia F1. It competed for part of the 2014 Formula One season,[5] before the team went into administration in November 2014.[6] Following renewed investment in the team, Marussia continued to compete in 2015, entering a modified version of the MR03 designed to comply with the 2015 regulations.[7]

Competition history

2014

The MR03 was driven by Jules Bianchi and Max Chilton, both of whom returned to the team for a second consecutive season.[2][3] The car was the first car designed by Marussia to use an engine built by Ferrari,[8] the 059/3.[9] In general terms, and compared to previous years' cars, the MR03 performed better relative to the opposition. In addition, with this car, Jules Bianchi recorded his and Marussia's first points ever in Formula One at the Monaco Grand Prix.

As a result of the serious crash and injuries sustained by their lead driver, Jules Bianchi, at the Japanese Grand Prix, for the subsequent and inaugural Russian Grand Prix the team decided to only race with Max Chilton. This decision was made after the team's initial registration of their reserve driver, American rookie Alexander Rossi.[10] As a further sign of respect and support, the MR03 featured a "#JB17" livery on the sides of the cockpit, being a reference to their injured driver's initials and race number.

After entering into administration in late October 2014, the team did not attend a race event for the first time in its history resulting, therefore, in the MR03 not being fielded at the United States Grand Prix.[11] With the team folding in November 2014, the MR03 did not further participate in the 2014 Formula One season.

2015

Following the team's revival in February 2015, the MR03 was modified to comply with the 2015 regulations, with the team looking to build a new chassis to be introduced mid-season. Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi were contracted to drive,[4] but the late rescue package meant that the car arrived at the opening round of the season without any form of testing.[7] Ultimately, they did not qualify for the race, as they had not participated in qualifying or any session during the weekend. This was due mostly in part to the team's computers being wiped clean of data in the days leading up to the auction; the oversight went completely undetected by the entire team until the days before the Grand Prix when the car was being assembled in Australia. The team was cleared of any malicious wrongdoing by the FIA after a hearing,[12] and resolved their software issues in time for the next event.

Will Stevens at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Complete Formula One results

(key)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers Grands Prix Pts WCC
2014 Marussia F1 Team Ferrari 059/3 P AUS MAL BHR CHN ESP MON CAN AUT GBR GER HUN BEL ITA SIN JPN RUS USA BRA ABU‡ 2 9th
Max Chilton 13 15 13 19 19 14 Ret 17 16 17 16 16 Ret 17 18 Ret
Jules Bianchi NC1 Ret 16 17 18 9 Ret 15 14 15 15 18† 18 16 20†
2015 Manor Marussia F1 Team Ferrari 059/3 P AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON CAN AUT GBR HUN BEL ITA SIN JPN RUS MEX USA BRA ABU 0* 10th*
Will Stevens DNP DNS 15 16
Roberto Merhi DNP 15 16 17
Notes

References

  1. ↑ http://www.f1technical.net/f1db/cars/1014/marussia-mr03
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Tremayne, Sam; Straw, Edd (11 January 2014). "Max Chilton retains Marussia seat for 2014 Formula 1 season". Autosport.com (Haymarket Publications). Retrieved 11 January 2014. Max Chilton will line up alongside Jules Bianchi again in 2014, after Marussia confirmed it will retain the Briton for a second year, making the announcement at AUTOSPORT International
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Jules Bianchi will remain with the Marussia Formula 1 team for 2014". Autosport.com (Haymarket Publications). 3 October 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Freeman, Glenn (9 March 2015). "Roberto Merhi to race for Manor F1 team in Australian Grand Prix". Autosport.com. Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  5. ↑ "Marussia_F1Team". @Marussia_F1Team. Twitter, Inc. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014. Great to see @Jules_Bianchi in the house today, eyeing up the new #MR03. We said "smile" & @Rory_f1 kindly obliged!
  6. ↑ "Marussia F1 team fold after crisis talks". BBC Sport. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Collantine, Keith (12 March 2015). "Manor F1 car appears in Australia". F1 Fanatic (Keith Collantine). Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  8. ↑ "Marussia gets Ferrari engines for 2014". Autosport.com (Haymarket Publications). 16 July 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  9. ↑ "Presentation of the new Ferrari power unit". ferrari.com. Scuderia Ferrari. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
  10. ↑ "Chilton to be Marussia's sole entrant in Russia". formula1.com. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
  11. ↑ "Marussia and Caterham to miss US Grand Prix - Bernie Ecclestone". BBC. 25 October 2014.
  12. ↑ "FIA clears Manor over qualifying absence". GP Update (GP Update). 15 March 2015. Retrieved 16 March 2015.